United Family Supports Efforts to Reach Rural Communities

Catholic Charities-Diocese of Lubbock recently developed a collaborative project, called the R.A.I.N. Tour, to ensure that rural communities are receiving information about available resources. The goal of the R.A.I.N. Tour, which stands for Resources All Individuals Need, is to bring resources from various agencies to rural communities, rather than making them travel to Lubbock for information.  These resources include educational material, opportunities to enroll in services, free immunizations, and many other services that especially address the needs of high-risk families. 

 

Along with the above services, a recent donation from the United Family will allow the R.A.I.N. Tour to offer refreshments or small meals to community members as an added incentive to attend the resource fair.  "As a long-time supporter of our rural communities, United Supermarkets knows the importance of programs like the R.A.I.N. Tour," said Chris James, COO for The United Family. "We are happy to support this program, and we hope it helps residents in these communities get the resources they need." 

 

The R.A.I.N. Tour has already visited Muleshoe, Crosbyton, and Floydada.  Below is a list of scheduled visits for the R.A.I.N. Tour for the remainder of the summer:

 

June 22 – Levelland

June 30 – Slaton

July 6 – Littlefield

July 8 – Petersburg

July 13 - Tahoka

July 14 – Plainview

July 18 – Lockney

July 21 – Lubbock

July 26 – Ralls

 

Other agencies participating in the R.A.I.N. Tour include: AmeriGroup, Caption Call, FirstCare Health Plans, ImmTrac Texas Immunization Registry, Lubbock Pediatric Dentistry & Oral Surgery, Legal Aid of Northwest Texas, Lubbock Victim’s Assistance Services, Methodist Children’s Home, South Plains Community Action Partnership, Spartan Public Transportation, Superior HealthPlans, Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas Health Steps, the Texas Department of State Health Services, and the Texas Department of Health & Human Services.

 

Catholic Charities, a Lubbock Area United Way partner agency, has several programs in place to support families and individuals.  The agency serves Lubbock and 29 surrounding counties with programs that provide youth and family counseling, emergency assistance, a food/hygiene pantry, family engagement activities, and resources f